Iron Kettle Farm

In 1969 Skip and Jeanne Jackson purchased the original farm on route 96 in Candor. Skip and Jeanne both grew up in Tioga County N.Y. Being raised on farms themselves and wanting to do the same with their kids they decided to start farming. At this time Brian was two. Bonnie was born in 1970 and Jennifer came along in 1973. When the farm was purchased in 1969 the previous owner left a huge kettle out behind the barn. With that in mind the Jackson's named their roadside market Iron Kettle Farm. The farms on each side of the property were also purchased to add more tillable ground. Over the years approximately 15 other kettles were acquired and are used as planters around the farm. Our First market was an abandoned corncrib with a lean two off the front and sides. The first crops where strawberries, sweet corn, summer veggies, tomatoes and fall produce, including pumpkins. The first pumpkin display was the fall of 1969. It only had 10 to 12 characters. In 1973 the first permanent market was built. In 1979 the house was moved to make room for the expanding business. The business continued to grow very fast and many additions were built onto the original building. The 1980's began the greenhouse segment of the business. Iron Kettle Farm began growing and selling vegetable plants, flowers, hanging baskets and perennials. All three children were very active in the business while growing up. A partnership of Jeanne, Skip, Brian and Bonnie was formed in 1992. Jennifer became a partner in 1995 and thus it is a true family farm. Today Skip and Jeanne have 9 grandchildren. Brian and his wife Katie have a boy Timothy and girls Kristina and Laura. Bonnie and her husband Daren have 4 children, Kevin, Kyle, Lillian and Lance. Jennifer and Troy have a boy Jackson and a girl Maggie.